Nail Treatment Device With Protective Flap For Phenol Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing P & A procedure for treating ingrown toenails often results in phenol solution contacting the skin and nail bed, causing burning, post-operative pain, and prolonged healing due to direct contact with soft tissue structures.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a flexible, cylindrical tube with a specially shaped flap that prevents phenol solution from contacting surrounding skin and nail bed by forming an enclosed channel for direct application to the nail matrix, reducing skin contact and promoting healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phenol solution is applied directly to the nail matrix using a cotton tip applicator, then the nail matrix is effectively ablated to prevent ingrown nail recurrence, but the phenol solution contacts the surrounding skin and nail bed causing burning, post-operative pain, and prolonged healing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective barrier (intermediary) between the phenol solution and the surrounding soft tissue structures. The barrier prevents direct contact of phenol with the skin and nail bed while allowing controlled application to the nail matrix, thereby eliminating the harmful side effects of phenol exposure to non-target tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of local quality by creating a protective barrier specifically at the areas surrounding the nail matrix (the skin and nail bed), while leaving the nail matrix itself exposed to phenol for effective ablation. This localized protection ensures that only the intended target area is affected by the phenol solution.
2Reliability
If phenol solution contacts the skin and nail bed during P & A procedure, then the nail matrix can be effectively treated, but post-operative healing time is prolonged due to tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protective barrier acts as an intermediary that prevents phenol from damaging the surrounding tissues during the ablation process. By blocking phenol contact with the skin and nail bed, the barrier eliminates the source of prolonged healing time while maintaining effective treatment of the nail matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective barrier is applied in advance (preliminarily) to prevent the harmful action of phenol on surrounding tissues before the phenol application begins. This preliminary protective measure prevents tissue damage that would otherwise require extended healing time.
3Reliability
If phenol solution is applied to treat the ingrown nail, then the ingrown portion is ablated to prevent recurrence, but post-operative infection risk increases due to tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protective barrier serves as an intermediary that prevents phenol-induced tissue damage to the surrounding skin and nail bed. By protecting these tissues from chemical burns and damage, the barrier eliminates the compromised tissue state that would otherwise be susceptible to post-operative infection, while maintaining effective nail matrix ablation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for treating an ingrown nail condition is provided. The device prevents a solution that is applied during a procedure from coming into contact with the surrounding skin and nail bed. The device includes a plastic tube that has a flap located at one end. An applicator is inserted through the tube to ensure direct application of a phenol or similar solution onto only a nail matrix. As a result, the phenol or similar solution is prevented from coming into contact with the surrounding skin and nail bed, thereby reducing post-operative healing time, post-operative infection and post-operative pain.